In the majority of the panoramic pictures of Bled, the background is dominated by Mt Stol, the highest peak in the Karavanke range. The usual starting point for hikes up to its summit is the Valvasor mountain hut (1181 m), which is accessible by car via a forest road. Ascents can also be started down in Završnica or even in Žirovnica (10 km from Bled), although the whole trip is very long from there and requires a good level of fitness. An hour and a half out of Završnica, a wide and well-trodden path leads to Valvasor hut. The route then heads east to the Žirovniška Planina pasture, where the trail turns steeply upwards through forest, and later across the bare slopes along a faint edge it leads on to the Prešeren hut, with the peak of Mt Stol (22336 m) directly behind it. The way down follows a gentler path via the open, level ground of Čelo and the southern slopes to the trees and then on to Zabreška, Žirovniška Planina and the Valvasor hut, leading finally down to the starting point in Završnica. The hut is also a detour point for a tour of the Ajdna site. Duration of tour : 5 hours from the Valvasor hut (seven and a half from the valley)

Difficulty

moderately difficult tour, easy to moderate

Course

in high mountains

Altitude difference : 1050 m

Range of hiking available

tours in high mountains, family excursions, group tours, trails through forests, trails to mountain pastures